Unforgettable Things To Do In Hawaii Beyond The Beaches

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island provides diverse outdoor activities, including day hiking through volcanic terrain, a scenic drive on Crater Rim Drive, and exploring two active volcanoes, Kīlauea and Maunaloa.

Additionally, the park features contrasting landscapes like lava fields and rainforests, with educational opportunities at the Kīlauea Visitor Center and Halemaʻumaʻu Crater Overlook. These features make this park a must-visit destination in Hawaii.

The hike up Diamond Head Crater is a popular thing to do in Oahu. The 1.5-mile round trip trail takes about 40-60 minutes to reach the 760-foot summit, offering stunning 360-degree views of Waikiki, Honolulu, and the Waianae Mountains.

Built in 1908, the trail showcases geological and military history with steep stairs, a tunnel, and a historic Fire Control Station. Also, hikers should wear comfortable shoes, bring water, and be prepared for a moderately challenging two-hour hike.

Snorkeling with manta rays is one of the unique and unforgettable things to do in Hawaii Kona. Tour operators provide snorkeling tours near a lighted raft that attracts plankton, the main food source for mantas. Participants hold onto a floating raft, avoiding disturbance to the gentle giants.

The 45-minute experience emphasizes not touching or chasing mantas, as they are protected. These educational tours provide a once-in-a-lifetime snorkeling adventure, showcasing the extraordinary world of manta rays.

Explore Haleakalā National Park's lush rainforests for a captivating experience in Maui. The park offers various trails winding through tropical rainforests, dynamic cinder cones, and the vast Haleakalā volcano crater.

Notable trails include the Sliding Sands Trail for an otherworldly volcanic landscape and the Pipiwai Trail, known for waterfalls and diverse vegetation. With unique terrain and rich biodiversity, exploring the park is the best thing to do in Maui for hiking enthusiasts and nature lovers.

Explore Kauai's Na Pali Coast with guided kayak tours from operators like Napali Kayak and Kayak Kauai. Covering 10 to 18.6 miles, these tours offer a safe and enriching experience for both beginners and experienced kayakers, showcasing sea caves, waterfalls, and secluded beaches.

If you are lucky, you can also encounter dolphins and tropic birds in this ruggedly beautiful area. Moreover, guided tours prioritize safety and comfort, making it an ideal way to marvel at the natural wonders of the Na Pali Coast.

Waimea Canyon State Park offers a variety of activities. Visitors can enjoy a scenic drive with multiple lookout points providing stunning views of the canyon and Ni'ihau Island. The park also offers diverse hiking trails for different skill levels, allowing a closer exploration of the canyon.

Accessible by car via Waimea Canyon Drive or Kokee Road, non-residents may have entrance and parking fees. This state park is a must-visit for those wanting to witness the extraordinary geological formations and scenic beauty of Kauai's Waimea Canyon.

Hike the picturesque Makapu'u Lighthouse Trail on Oahu, one of the best places to visit in the USA. The 2.5-mile round-trip, known for its ease, offers stunning views of Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline and the ocean. The paved path suits various skill levels, leading to expansive views of Makapu'u Beach, Koko Crater, and nearby islands.

Renovated in 1909, the lighthouse sits on a 600-foot sea cliff. This rewarding hike captures the beauty of Oahu's eastern coast, with the chance to spot neighboring islands like Molokai and Maui on clear days.

The ʻImiloa Astronomy Center opened in 2006, offers an enriching experience blending Hawaiian culture and scientific exploration. Through interactive exhibits in "Origins" and "Explorations," visitors learn about Hawaiian and scientific beliefs related to Mauna Kea, stars, and the world.

The center includes a 120-seat planetarium, Science on a Sphere, ViewSpace exhibits, and a native garden. It bridges science and culture, connecting visitors with Mauna Kea's astronomy and Hawaiian heritage, making the visit one of the fun things to do in Hawaii Hilo.

The Polynesian Cultural Center in Laie, Oahu offers an immersive experience to explore Hawaiian and Polynesian cultures. With six authentic island villages, visitors engage in hands-on activities, and cultural presentations, and discover significant replicas.

Additionally, the Hawaiian Island Village features canoe paddling, traditional games, poi making, and hula dancing. The center also hosts a luau and an evening show, providing a compelling opportunity to understand and appreciate the vibrant traditions of Hawaiian and Polynesian cultures.

One of the amazing things to do in Hawaii Honolulu is visit the Iolani Palace. The palace, once the residence of Hawaii's monarchy, today, is a significant historical site. Meticulously restored, it reflects Hawaiian national identity and offers guided tours of the restored first and second floors.

Open Tuesday to Saturday, it's a National Historic Landmark. Moreover, tickets for guided or self-led audio tours can be purchased online conveniently. This palace is a must-visit for those keen on Hawaiian history and royalty.

The Bishop Museum is a captivating destination to explore the rich history, culture, and environment of Hawaii and the Pacific. With over 25 million treasures, diverse exhibitions, a planetarium, daily tours, and online demonstrations, it offers engaging experiences for all ages.

Focused on preserving and sharing the natural and cultural history of the region, it's a must-visit for those eager to understand Hawaii and the Pacific's heritage and environment. So, if you are wondering about things to do in Honolulu, visiting this museum should be on your list.

Visit Kualoa Ranch for a variety of activities, including the Jungle Jeep Expedition, Hollywood Movie Sites Tour, and Aloha Aina Farm Tour. The ranch offers tours and activities for exploring the scenic beauty and cultural history, along with all-inclusive packages for a comprehensive experience.

With stunning landscapes and rich history, the ranch is a must-visit for nature and movie enthusiasts, providing a unique exploration of the area's cultural and historical significance.

Situated on Hawaii's Big Island, the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden spans 17 acres and serves as both a botanical garden and a nature preserve. Housing over 2,000 plant species, encompassing more than 125 families and 750 genera of tropical exotics, the garden boasts various trails, waterfalls, and an ocean boardwalk.

Here, visitors have the opportunity to embark on a 90-minute self-guided tour. With its rich and diverse landscape, the garden is an essential destination for nature enthusiasts, photographers, and botanists alike.

Stargazing on Mauna Kea is a popular activity due to the clear skies and lack of light pollution, making it an ideal location for observing the night sky. Visitors can stargaze from the area around the Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station (VIS) or join tours that include sunset viewing and stargazing.

However, visitors should be aware of the high altitude and associated health risks, and certain individuals are advised against visiting the summit due to safety concerns. Lower-altitude stargazing spots are also available for those who are unable to visit the summit.

Explore Hawaii on a catamaran cruise, a popular activity with options like snorkeling, sunset sails, and whale watching. Tours depart from various locations, providing breathtaking views of the coastline and opportunities to see marine life.

Some tours also offer insights into Hawaiian culture and history. Private catamaran charters provide a more personalized experience, and the tours are suitable for all ages, with some catamarans being wheelchair accessible. 

Going on a coffee farm tour is a popular activity that allows visitors to explore the coffee orchards, witness the bean processing, and enjoy free tastings of fresh, organic Kona coffee. Numerous coffee farms in Kona offer free self-guided tours as well as guided tours.

Some of the farms that provide tours include the Kona Coffee Living History Farm, Mountain Thunder Coffee Plantation, Greenwell Farms, Hula Daddy Coffee, and Hilo Coffee Mill. The tours are available year-round, and the prices and hours of operation vary depending on the farm.

The Maui Ocean Center is a top-rated aquarium, open 365 days a year. Visitors can explore a variety of indoor and outdoor exhibits, enjoy lunch at the Seascape and Reef Café, and shop at the Maui Ocean Treasures gift store.

The average park stay is 2-2.5 hours, and the center offers a 90-minute guided tour. Additionally, the center offers a 3D Sphere experience, but it might not be suitable for children 3 years and younger due to high volume levels.

Taking a surf lesson in Hawaii is a popular activity for both visitors and locals. Several surf schools, such as Hawaii Surfing Academy, Hawaii Surf Lessons 101, and Kahu Surf School, offer lessons for beginners and experienced surfers.

The lessons typically include land instruction on controlling the center of mass and the base of support, paddling out to the waves, and proper movement for surfing with the correct style and staying injury-free. Learning how to surf is the perfect activity to add a thrill to your trip.

The Pearl Harbor National Memorial is home to the USS Arizona, USS Oklahoma, and USS Utah Memorials. Visitors can explore the 17-acre grounds of the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, and participate in activities such as the USS Arizona Memorial Program, visiting museums and historic sites, and taking boat tours to the memorial.

With over 2 million visitors per year, Pearl Harbor is the most visited site in all of the Hawaiian Islands, making it a significant and popular historical destination

Visit the Byodo-In Temple in Hawaii for a serene and cultural experience. Nestled in a lush valley on Oahu, this non-denominational temple is a replica of the historic Byodo-In Temple in Kyoto, Japan.

Surrounded by scenic gardens and koi ponds, it offers a peaceful atmosphere for reflection and exploration. Visitors can admire the stunning architecture, ring the large Peace Bell, and enjoy the spiritual ambiance of this unique and tranquil destination.